US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has called off a planned meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that was intended to address the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey. The meeting was scheduled to occur during a NATO summit in Turkey but was canceled due to concerns about escalating diplomatic tensions.
In addition to Netanyahu, Hegseth was also set to meet with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, with discussions expected to focus heavily on the ongoing conflict involving Iran. The US embassy in Israel has not provided an immediate response regarding the cancellation of these meetings.
These developments coincide with US President Donald Trump’s announcement that a memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities between the US, Israel, and Iran is now considered void. Trump declared that Washington no longer wishes to engage with Tehran, signaling a shift in regional dynamics.
Turkey, a NATO member, has consistently criticized Israeli military actions in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria. Ankara has accused Israel of attempting to undermine the US-Iran ceasefire, which was brokered with Pakistan’s mediation. In a recent CNN interview, Netanyahu expressed strong opposition to any F-35 sales to Turkey, stating he had communicated his concerns directly to President Trump. Netanyahu warned that such a deal would disrupt the Middle East’s power balance, citing Turkey’s aggressive ambitions.
President Trump, attending the NATO summit alongside Hegseth, announced plans to lift US sanctions imposed on Turkey following Ankara’s 2019 purchase of Russian S-400 missile systems. He also indicated a willingness to reinstate Turkey into the F-35 fighter jet program. However, this move faces significant opposition in both the US Congress and Israel.
Relations between Washington and Ankara deteriorated sharply after Turkey procured the Russian S-400 system, leading to US sanctions on a major Turkish defense firm and Turkey’s removal from the F-35 program. Although ties have improved since Trump’s return to office in January 2025, legal barriers remain that block the sale of F-35 jets to Turkey, leaving the future of this strategic deal uncertain.
